October 7, 2008 Dems torn between party nominee, elected official Play video

(NECN: Latoyia Edwards, Boston, Mass.) - The Massachusetts Democratic Party is under fire for backing political newcomer Sonia Chang-Diaz. Her opposition? 16-year State Senator Dianne Wilkerson.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced the party's endorsement of Chang-Diaz today. She won a tight primary race and recount for the Second Suffolk seat last month, defeating Wilkerson.

Wilkerson is leading a sticker campaign for the November election.

Many Democrats are in the uncomfortable position of having to choose between their party nominee and an elected official they've worked with over the course of her 15 years in office.